Nurse Struck Off After Assault On Teenager

Main Category: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 18 Nov 2008 - 5:00 PST

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A nurse convicted of assaulting his partner's teenage daughter has been struck off the professional register by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).

Christopher Baldwin, 58, from Tenby, Pembrokeshire, was sentenced in June 2007 at Haverford Magistrates Court to a twelve month Community Order after being found guilty of striking Lauren Farr, his partners daughter, in the face and twisting her arm.

In March of that year he had also been sentenced to a year's community service at Carmathen South Magistrates Court for not providing a breath test after driving a car involved in an accident.

The two separate convictions were considered by the NMC's independent Conduct and Competence Committee panel to have impaired Baldwin's fitness to practise as a learning disabilities nurse.

Lesley Conway, NMC spokesperson said:

"Both convictions showed that he breached the Code of practise by not behaving in a way which justifies the trust and confidence the public have in a nurse and upholding the good reputation of the profession. Behaviour that compromises this reputation may call a nurse's reputation into question even if it is not directly connected to professional practice. The code also says nurses and midwives must adhere to the laws of the country in which they practise.

"Baldwin's work dealing with children and families should have made him well aware of the need to diffuse the situation and avoid confrontation.

"His aggressive behaviour towards his partner's daughter shows he could potentially cause patients harm. His statement that the assault was in a family context and in no way related to his practice does not show insight into his failings. He could not provide references and had previous history of breaching drink driving laws showing great irresponsibility.

"A striking off order is the only proportionate and appropriate sanction."

The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) is the UK regulator for two professions, nursing and midwifery. To be eligible to work as a nurse or midwife in the UK, they must be registered with the NMC. There are currently more than 674,000 nurses and midwives on the register. The primary purpose of the NMC is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public. It does this through maintaining a register of all nurses and midwives to practise within the UK and by setting standards for their education, training and conduct.

Nursing & Midwifery Council